A morning rally was organised in the Capital on Saturday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday.

Participants of the rally, organised by the School of Psychology Nepal, called for serious attention to stop the increasing rate of suicide in the country. Members of the Department of Psychology, TU, Youth partnership Nepal, Rakshya Nepal and ICDC Nepal took part in the rally.

Speaking at a gathering after the conclusion of the rally, Narendra Singh Thagunna, reader at the Department of Psychology of Tri-Chandra College, said Nepal is among the top 10 countries in the world with highest number of suicide cases.

“Extensive awareness campaigns are a must,” he added.

Dr Narendra Katwal of Kantipur Hospital said the major reason behind suicides in Nepal is mental tension resulting from unemployment, drug abuse, alcoholism and domestic problem among others.

The World Suicide Prevention Day is being observed every year on September 10 since 2003.

‘Connect, Communicate, Care’ was the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2012, according to the WHO. “Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world,” says the WHO.

• Over 800 000 people die due to suicide every year
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year
• A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds
• 75 percent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries
• Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally

Source: WHO